Vibratory pad



E. A. BlNNEY VIBRATORY" PAD Feb. 6, 1934.

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July l93l INVENTOR Patented Feb. 6, 1934 ETED STATES 9 Claims.

My invention relates to a vibratory pad for therapeutical purposes, and the objects of my in vention in its first described form are:

First-To provide an electromagnetically oper ated vibratory means in the form of a relatively flat pad.

Second.-To provide a vibratory pad which is so flexible that it will readily conform to the curvature of the body to which it is applied.

Third-To provide a vibratory pad which will operate by merely connecting it to an alternating dium for holding various portions of the magnetic elements together, whereby slight relative displacement thereof is possible on flexure of the device.

Eighth.-To provide a device of this class which is simple and economical in construction and operation and which will not readily deteriorate or ,get out of order.

Ninth.To provide a vibratory device of this form which may be readily controlled to vary the strength of amplitude of vibration or the frequency thereof.

The objects of the first modification are to provide a simple yet effective vibrating table or support adapted to cause a perpendicular vibratory motion, especially useful for agitating substances; the objects of the second modification are to provide a vibratory device in which a less complicated form of core may be used than in the first.

-" With these and other objects in view as will appear more fully hereinafter, my invention consists of certain novel features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts and portions, as will be hereinafter more specifically described and particularly set forth in the appended claims, ref erence being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the characters of reference thereon, which form a. part of this application, in which:

Figure 1 is a transverse sectional view of my device in its first described form.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan view thereof with the outer casing removed and certain portions broken away and in section to facilitate the illustration.

Figure 3 is a side elevational view thereof with a portion of the casing removed to show certain elements in side View.

Figure 4 is an elevational view of a portion of the clamping means.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view of a slightly modified form of construction, and

Figure 6 is a fragmentary plan view of said modified form.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary view of a further modification of my device.

Figure 8 is an elevational view in section of a rigid form of my vibrator devised as a support; Figure 9 is a plan view thereof, with parts broken away and in section in order to facilitate the illustration. Figure 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a simplified construction of my flexible form of vibrator. Figure 11, is a plan view thereof with portions broken away, and Figure 12, is a transverse sectional view thereof.

Like characters of reference refer to like portions throughout the various views in the drawings.

The armature member 1, pole member 2, coil 3, clamping member 4., casing 5, insulation 6 and cable '7, form the principal parts and portions of the preferred form as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive.

The armature member 1, consists of one or more plates of thin sheet steel or iron, having a plurality of parallel spaced apart, transverse slots la extending from one side to within a short distance of the other side, as clearly shown in Fig. 2. Both marginal portions are bent to form the angular marginal portions l-b and 1-c. The portion 1--b is in the form of a flange, tying the individual strips formed by the slots l-a together. The opposite angular portions lc are held in alinement in the manner described in what follows. The central portion of the armature member 1, that is, that portion between said angular marginal portions, is preferably fiat, the various strips normally lying in a common plane, when the device is unflexed.

The pole member 2, is substantially the same shape as the armature member 1, having angular marginal portions 2-b and 2-c and transverse slots 2-a, forming strips of equal width to the armature member. A central pole portion 2-d is formed, preferably by bending the pole member to form an upwardly extending offset portion, as best shown in Fig. 1. With the armature and pole members placed with their marginal portions together, the pole portion 2c. extends toward the central portion of said armature member 1, a slight gap separating the adjacent surfaces. On either side of the pole portion 2c. are formed channels 2c which are adapted to accommodate the sides of the magnet coil 3.

As shown in Fig. 1, coil 3 is relatively fiat and deep radially, being in the form of a pancake coil. The side portions lie in the channels 2c and between the inner surfaces of the pole and armature members.

In Fig. 2, the relative position of the armature and pole members and the coil is shown in plan, the lower portion of the figure showing the armature broken away in order to disclose the pole member 2 and coil 3. It will be noted that slots 1-a and 2c are placed exactly opposite.

The furcated margins lc and 2c of the plates 1 and 2 are held together by means of a flexible clamping member 4, preferably formed of resilient rubber. Clamp l is substantially semi-circular in cross-section and has in its flat surface a plurality of narrow rectangular pockets 4a spaced by ribs 4.b, the thickness and spacing of which corresponds to the slots l-a and 2c in the pole and armature members. Figs. 1, 2, and 4 illustrate the clamp member and its relation with the armature and pole members.

The opposite marginal portions 1b and 2b of the plates 1 and 2, are clamped together by means of a similar clamping member, shown in Fig. 1, in which the rib portions 4-1) are omitted, the pockets 1b forming a continuous slot, i--c.

The exposed end portions of the coil 3 are protected by means of flexible insulating plates 6 extending over their upper and lower surfaces, while the clamp-member 4 is drawn around the edge of the coil as indicated in Fig. 2, thus thoroughly protecting the exposed portions of the coil.

The terminals are connected to the end of a suitable fiexible cable '7, the entire assembly being placed in a suitable flexible insulating casing or bag 5. Fig. 3 shows the device in side elevation, the casing being broken away to disclose the device more clearly. This figure shown in dotted lines the manner in which the device may be flexed in order to conform to the curvature of Jarious portions of the body. When flexed it is obvious that a slight longitudinal displacement of the armature and pole members will take place. This displacement is possible due to the resilience of the clamping member 4. It should be further noted that the coil 3, being relatively fiat, will readily conform to the form required. The coil is preferably wound of small wire, or if necessary, of stranded wire, to allow suflicient flexibility thereof.

The purpose of carrying the slots 1a and 2c through at one side of the plates 1 and 2 is to prevent occurrence of heavy induced currents in the plates. The relatively narrow thin strips, which are separated at their free ends by the ribs e-b do not form complete electrical circuits; however, in certain cases, it is permissible to provide the marginal flange on both sides of the plates, thus forming an integral tie between adjacent strips along both side margins. A certain degree of heating of the plates will result as a consequence of the current induced therein.

Vibration of the armature plates, due to magnetic attraction and the inherent resiliency of the metal will take place on connecting the coil to a source of alternating current. Obviously, the coil will cause lines of force to pass across the gap between the pole face 2ed and armature member 1, the lines passing to right and left along the armature strips and the therewith contacting pole member strips back to the pole face 2d in the Well known manner. There is thus a direct action of the pulsating magnetic flux on the surface of the armature applied to the body, so that the full effect of the vibratory motion is obtained. Obviously the pad may be tied in position by means of suitable straps, not shown, attached to the casing 5. The construction is such that either the armature, the pole member, or both will be set in motion according to the manner in which the device is applied and the nature of the application so that the full effect is obtained.

In order to add mass to the pole portion, the rectangular space within the pole body may be filled by means of a flexible pad, 8, such as rubber or the like.

In the modification disclosed in Figures 5 and 6, the elements forming the armature and pole members 1 and 2 are secured at their marginal portions to a flexible insulating strip 9. One method of securing the elements to the strip is 105 disclosed in these figures, the lowest lamination extending beyond the edge of the marginal portion 1c allowing it to be bent up and back over the upper surface of strip 9, forming a clamp portion 1cZ.

A further modified structure is disclosed in Fig. '7, which shows a fragmentary view in section of the armature and pole elements, which, if desired, may be of relatively thick plates, inserted at the ends in spaced apart, parallel slits 115 l0-a and 10-2) in the resilient clamping member 10. The latter thus includes an interspersed, resilient tongue portion 10c forming a gentetween the marginal portions 1-c and 2--c. A further resilient spacer 11 may, if desired, be inserted between the pole portion 2-d and armature 1. Thus the mutual attraction of the armature and pole elements will take place both at the center and at each end, resulting in a more general vibratory action of the armature elements and depending less on the inherent resilience of the armature and pole members. It is obvious that the exciting coil 3 occupies the'channels 2c in this structure in the same manner as in the form disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2. Further, the cushion 11, may, if desired, be used in the form disclosed in Figs. 1 and 2.

While not disclosed in the drawings, it is obvious that the strength of vibration may be regulated by varying the voltage impressed on the terminals of the coil, as by connecting a rheostat in series therewith. The frequency of vibration will correspond to that of the source of current to which the device is connected.

It is manifest that the shape of the pad may 140 be made to suit any desired condition, such as a long, narrow pad for application to the spine, or a relatively short and broad pad for placing on the chest. Transverse curvature, providing either a convex or concave armature surface-may also be provided. Obviously the greater degree of flexibility will be in a line at right angles to the slots in the armature and pole plates, although the device allows for a certain degree of diagonal fiexure as well.

2 follow the path of least resistance.

- The rigid support type of vibrator illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 comprises preferably a laminated core body 12 having a central pole portion 12a and end portions 12b connected by a yoke portion 12c. The laminations are held together in any conventional manner. On the faces of the pole and end portions are resilient pads 13, on which the armature 14 rests. The latter is formed of rectangular laminations having slots 14-a extending from the one marginal portion through the laminations, as indicated in Fig. 9, thus forming a plurality of spaced apart narrow strips 14-c bridging the pole and end portions of core 12. The several laminations may be held together by means of rivets 14-4) or the like. A plate 16, forming the top of the support, is provided, with depending marginal portions 15, forming guides, adapted to embrace the ends of the armature 14 and the core 12. The guides 15 may be of insulating material, or their inner surfaces may be insulated to prevent shorting the ends of the strips 14c thus avoiding heavy eddy currents in the laminations 14. The plate 16 and armature 14 are held resiliently against the pads 13 by means of springs 16-a, secured at their ends to suitable lugs 1'7 and 18 on the core and armature respectively.

A suitable pole, coil 19 is placed over the pole portion 12a and is adapted to provide the pulsative magnetic flux When connected to a suitable alternating current supply. The magnetic attraction and inherent resilience of the pads 13 results in a strong vibratory motion of the armature 14 and the plate 16. On the latter may be placed a vessel containing a substance to be agitated, or a stack of sieves of varying mesh adapted to grade core sand or the like.

Rubber buttons 20, or other absorbing means are preferably placed on the bottom of the core 12 to prevent the vibration from being transmitted to the table or bench on which the vibrator is placed.

In the further modification disclosed in Figs. 10, 11, and 12, a longitudinally flexible vibrator is formed of a plurality of substantially rectangular iron plates or laminations 21, assembled in overlapping relation, in the manner of layered bricks. Detents 21a are formed in the end portions or" the plates, these detents serving to hold the overlapping layers in spaced relation. Likewise, adjacent plates of a layer are spaced apart end-wise, as by spacers 2l-b and 2lc. These are of non-magnetic material, and preferably of resilient nature, such as rubber. A strip of sheet fibre or the like, is placed against the top and bottom layers and held in position by any suitable means such as tape or the like. Around the thus assembled core is wound a solenoid 23, extending preferably in a single layer the length of the core. This coil, when excited, is adapted to cause magnetic lines of force to flow lengthwise with the core. It is obvious that certain of these lines will flow from one layer to another and then back again, in order to In doing so they will cross the short gap between layers and cause attraction of adjacent plates. The inherent resiliency of the latter will result in a vibratory motion in the direction of the small gaps, so that the entire core will vibrate when the coil is excited. To reduce eddy current and consignment reduction in magnetic pull, the plates may be slotted as at 21d.

While I have shown and described a particular arrangement and combination of parts and portions, I do not wish to be limited to the specific arrangement and modifications disclosed but desire to secure by Letters Patent the arrangements and combinations as set forth in the appended claims. &3

1. In a pad of the class described, a pair of substantially parallel related, closely spaced, longitudinally flexible magnetically permeable sheets, adapted to form a magnetic circuit with an interposed gap and electromagnetic means responsive to an alternating electric current for producing a pulsatingmagnetic flux in said circuit, whereby vibratory motion of said sheets in a direction substantially at right angles to their surfaces is set up.

2. In a pad of the class described, a pair of closely spaced parallel magnetically permeable plates, forming substantially unobstructed outer surfaces, electro-magnetic means positioned intermediate said plates responsive to an alternating current for'causing a pulsating magnetic flux to pass across the space between said plates, resilient means supporting said plates in said spaced relation, said plates adapted to be successively mutually attracted in response to said magnetic flux and repelled by said resilient means.

3. A fiat pad comprising a pair of spaced apart inherently resilient iron sheets connected along spaced apart lines, a relatively flat solenoid positioned between said plates within said spaced apart connecting lines, with its axis substantially at right angles to the surface of said sheets adapted to produce a pulsating magnetic flux in response to an alternating current in said solenoid, said flux being directed across the space between said plates, said plates substantially completing the magnetic path of said flux, whereby said plates are vibrated due to the successive magnetic pull and said inherent resilience. 1 15 4. In a flexible vibratory pad, a pair of magnetically permeable members comprising laminations having transverse slots extending from one edge to the opposite margin, forming a plurality of transverse furcations, means for connecting said members along said unslotted margins, means for connecting the free ends of said furcations in insulated relation, said members being held in spaced relation, and a solenoid positioned between said members with its axis at right angles to the surface of said laminations, said solenoid adapted to produce a pulsating magnetic flux between said members and in said laminations, in response to an alternating current, said flux causing the vibration of said members in a direction at right angles to their surface.

5. In a flexible vibratory pad, an armature member comprising a thin, transversely furcated, inherently resilient sheet of steel, a pole member comprising a thin transversely furcated sheet of steel having a longitudinally extending central offset portion forming a transversely slotted pole portion, a flat solenoid positioned around said pole portion, longitudinal angular marginal portions on said pole member and means for securing said armature member along its longitudinal marginal portions to said angular marginal portions and in slight spaced relation to said pole portion.

6. In a flexible vibratory pad, an armature member comprising a plurality of narrow strips of inherently resilient sheet steel arranged in slightly spaced parallel relation, flexible insulating means connecting the adjacent end portions of said strips forming a relatively flexible mat,

a pole member comprising a second mat formed in like manner of steel strips, said second mat having a longitudinally extending central offset portioned and angular marginal portions forming a pair of longitudinal channels separated by said offset portion, a flat solenoid positioned around said offset portion with the sides of said coil in said channels, and clamp means for securing said armature member along its longitu- 8. In a flexible vibratory pad, a plurality of pairs of sheet steel strips, the strips of a pair being arranged in parallel, spaced apart relation, common flexible means connecting said pairs at their respective ends, and permitting angu lar displacement of adjacent pairs, and a common flexible solenoid extending between said spaced apart strips adapted to cause vibration of each of said pairs when excited by an alternatin'g current in any position of said pad.

9. In a flexible, vibratory pad, a pair of substantially parallel spaced apart, magnetically permeable sheets having transverse slots extending between their marginal portions, common flexible means connecting said sheets at their marginal portions, a flexible solenoid positioned between said sheets, said slots permitting "vibratory motion of said sheets when flexed, on sai' solenoid being excited by an alternating curr n ERIC A. BINNEY iio 

